Author: Bhakti Narayanan

On June 26, former US President Donald Trump unleashed a fierce verbal attack on New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani after the 33-year-old emerged as the leading candidate in the Democratic primary for New York City’s mayoral race. Venting on his platform Truth Social, Trump labelled Mamdani a “100% Communist Lunatic,” expressing outrage over the party’s direction. “The Democrats have officially lost it,” Trump wrote, reacting to Mamdani’s surprising success. “We’ve had far-left candidates before, but this is beyond belief.” Trump didn’t stop there. In another fiery post, he mocked Mamdani’s appearance, voice, and intelligence, and took jabs at his…

The US State Department has updated its travel advisory for India, issuing a Level-2 warning on June 16, cautioning American citizens to exercise increased vigilance due to the growing risks of violent crime and terrorism across parts of the country. According to the advisory, rape and sexual assaults are among the fastest-rising crimes in India, and tourist-heavy areas such as transportation hubs, shopping malls, and public markets are frequent targets for such incidents. The advisory underscores that terrorist attacks could occur without any advance notice, potentially impacting both locals and foreign travelers alike. The advisory also noted that US government…

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has spoken out in favor of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, particularly after the government’s diplomatic push following Operation Sindoor, which came in response to the recent terror attacks in Pahalgam. Writing in The Hindu, Tharoor acknowledged Modi’s enthusiasm, assertive global engagement, and dynamic presence as assets that deserve broader support from within India. He described the post-Operation Sindoor diplomatic campaign as a demonstration of national will and strategic communication, emphasizing that such outreach efforts helped strengthen India’s stance on international platforms. Tharoor, who led a multi-party delegation abroad to explain India’s position, highlighted how a…

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Moscow on Monday, where he issued a scathing criticism of the recent US airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Speaking during a televised discussion, Putin called the strikes “completely unprovoked” and lacking any legitimate rationale. “The aggression against Iran had no justification. It was neither warranted nor necessary,” Putin asserted firmly, adding that Russia is making every effort to support the Iranian people during these challenging times. The meeting came amid escalating tensions following the US missile and bombing campaign on Iranian nuclear facilities, a move that has drawn…

Yoga for Humanity: PM Modi Leads Global Celebration from Visakhapatnam, Sets New World Record The 11th International Day of Yoga unfolded as a vibrant testament to India’s spiritual heritage and global leadership, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the celebrations in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Record-Breaking Gathering on the Bay of Bengal Under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” over 3 lakh people practiced yoga along a 28-kilometre coastal stretch from R.K. Beach to Bhogapuram, setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest yoga gathering. “This is India’s dialogue with the soul and collective meditation with the world,”…

The Florida Panthers have become a beacon of consistency and innovation in the NHL, evolving beyond their well-known physical play to embrace a revolutionary data-centric approach. At the heart of this transformation is Sunny Mehta, the Assistant General Manager and Director of Analytics, whose strategic influence is reshaping the team’s identity and success trajectory. Florida’s recent dominance is no coincidence. Their ability to maintain peak performance over multiple seasons can be traced to a winning formula that combines old-school hockey acumen with cutting-edge analytics. Every decision, from player acquisitions to in-game strategy, is underpinned by a robust system of performance…

With the annual Amarnath Yatra approaching, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has stepped up its security arrangements by declaring all pilgrimage routes as no-fly zones from July 1 through August 10, 2025. The decision, taken to ensure the safety of pilgrims, comes amid increased security concerns following recent disturbances in the region. An official order issued by the Home Department confirmed that Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has mandated strict security protocols for the duration of the Yatra. The circular emphasizes that aerial operations, including the use of drones, balloons, and other unmanned flying objects, will be entirely prohibited over the…

PM Modi Gets Historic Welcome in Croatia Visit Prime Minister Narendra Modi received an overwhelming and emotional welcome in Zagreb, Croatia, as he became the first Indian Prime Minister to officially visit the country. The event marked a historic milestone in India-Croatia relations and formed the final leg of his three-nation tour that also included Cyprus and Canada for the G7 Summit in Kananaskis. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic personally received PM Modi at Franjo Tudman Airport with full ceremonial honors, reflecting the importance of the visit. PM Modi expressed his gratitude for the special welcome and termed the visit…

Chicago Sinfonietta kicks off its vibrant 2025–26 “IGNITE” season with a bold, cross-cultural celebration titled Bollywood & Beyond, showcasing the transformative power of music. IGNITE reflects the orchestra’s mission to inspire connection, creativity, and cultural understanding through a global lens. From premieres to powerful reinterpretations, the new season honors changemakers and traditions alike, all while centering the rich musical heritage of Chicago. Opening weekend sets the tone with a stunning tribute to Indian cinema and symphonic innovation. Bollywood & Beyond invites audiences to experience the first-ever orchestral adaptations of beloved Bollywood melodies, premiering in Chicago under the baton of Indian…

Spiritual leader and Isha Foundation founder Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev has been awarded the Global Indian of the Year honor by the Canada India Foundation (CIF). The recognition was announced during CIF’s annual gala in Toronto on May 22, 2025, celebrating his far-reaching contributions to sustainability, well-being, and societal transformation on a global scale. Sadhguru’s environmental leadership—especially through the Save Soil initiative and Cauvery Calling campaign—has sparked worldwide action on soil regeneration, agroforestry, and eco-conscious farming. These movements, grounded in both scientific research and community participation, aim to restore degraded lands and ensure long-term food and water security. Accepting the award,…